The network's announcement of his death came across as a breaking news alert, with Fox & Friends host Steve Doocy announcing the death.

"He was also a patriot, profoundly grateful to live in a country that gave him so much opportunity to work hard, to rise and to give back," Doocy said. "During a career that stretched more than five decades his work in entertainment, in politics, in news affected the lives of many millions. And so even as we mourn his death, we celebrate his life."

Ainsley Earhardt appeared to be fighting back tears as she read a statement from Ailes' wife Elizabeth, which was posted on news aggregator website Drudge Report.

Bret Baier, the network's chief political anchor, sent his condolences to Ailes and his family over the air during his segment. Baier also mentioned that Ailes ended his Fox News career amid controversy.

The network's story on Ailes' death explains how he built the network "into a cable powerhouse" and describes him as a "television pioneer" who "was a confidante of presidents and an acknowledged master of communications."

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Former chairman and CEO of the Fox News Network Roger Ailes participates in the "America's Best Leaders: How do they lead? Where are they taking us?" National Issues Briefing on Oct. 25, 2005, at the National Press Club in Washington. Getty Images

It mentioned his July resignation after he was sued by former network anchor Gretchen Carlson for sexual harassment. "Ailes resigned from Fox in July amid charges of sexual harassment," the Fox News account says.

Ailes' resignation triggered a series of blows endured by Fox in recent months, including the departure of commentator Bill O'Reilly after disclosures of payouts by the network to settle sexual harassment claims against him. The network also lost one of its biggest stars when anchor Megyn Kelly declined to renew her contact.

On the whole, the network portrayed Ailes was as a television legend. His work with former presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Trump also served as career highlights. On Twitter, conservative media members, many of whom were former employees of Ailes, posted odes to him.

Ailes' death led several other conservative news websites. "Profoundly Sad," was the headline on The Daily Caller. "'Revolutionized' news industry" topped Breitbart's website and The Blaze posted a statement by its founder Glenn Beck, who called Ailes one of the biggest tutors and disappointments of his life.

"He could be whoever he needed to be at the time, whoever he was around. He was a brilliant, brilliant man," he said. "The side of him that I saw, I really liked. The side of him that I saw come out towards the end I despised and couldn't get away from fast enough," Beck said.